A post-mortem examination has been completed on the body of Derek Round who was found at his home in Whanganui on Thursday morning.

"Although I can't go into details at stage the results would indicate a horrific attack on Derek which took place in the living room of his home." said Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby of Whanganui CIB.

"We have made pleasing progress today but this is one of those cases which the public will help us solve.

"I really need know more about the movements of Derek's car which we know left his property in Campbell Street sometime after 7.00pm on Wednesday evening. It is a 1996 blue Jaguar XJ6 - a quite distinctive car. Were you out and about around Whanganui on Wednesday evening and did you see it?

"We have also yet to locate clothing which we have linked to the crime scene and which could provide vital information for the investigation.

"It could have been disposed of anywhere around the Whanganui area and I would ask everyone to look around their property and the surrounding area for any signs of these items:

Police search teams will be out in park and reserve areas around Whanganui tomorrow to look for this clothing.

Another key focus has been building a picture of Derek's movements leading up to his death.

"This is a meticulous process involving a team of detectives piecing together what Derek was doing before he was violently attacked. As part of this we are talking to a range of people who had contact with him.

"I'm very grateful to those members of the public who've come forward and given up their time to talk to us. If you haven't yet spoken to us and have any information which would be helpful, however small, please call Whanganui police station on 06 349 0600." said Mr Kirby.

Other staff have continued with a scene examination at the Campbell Street property which is expected to take another day to complete. Forensic staff have also been examining the Jaguar car.

Around 40 staff drawn from Whanganui, New Plymouth, Palmerston North and Taumaranui will continue working on the investigation throughout the weekend.